Office of National Boards

The Office of National Boards (ONB) helps students successfully prepare for the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX) licensing examinations, which are required by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) and administered by the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME).

The examination series includes:

COMLEX Level 1
- End of year 2
COMLEX Level 2
- End of year 3
COMLEX Level 3
- Intern year of residency
COMAT
- Eight exams aligning with required core rotations during orientation and years 3 and 4.
  - Emergency Medicine
  - Family Medicine
  - Internal Medicine
  - Obstetrics and Gynecology
  - Osteopathic Principles and Practices
  - Pediatrics
  - Psychiatry
  - Surgery

Frequently Asked Questions

COMLEX

Where do I find more information about COMLEX?: Information about COMLEX is found on the NBOME FAQ page.

Does WVSOM have policies and procedures regarding COMLEX exams?: Yes. Institutional Policy: DO-14 outlines promotion of students as they relate to passage of the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examinations (“COMLEX”). The Procedure for Institutional Policy DO:14 outlines the details for Institutional Policy DO:14.

What happens if I do not pass COMLEX?: After an unsuccessful attempt on COMLEX, students will meet with the ONB to review appropriate next steps based on the student’s individual circumstances.

How many attempts on COMLEX do I get at WVSOM?: Students will be academically dismissed if they exceed two COMLEX failures on any one exam type (COMLEX Level 1 or COMLEX Level 2-CE)

Where do most WVSOM students take COMLEX?: All students may take the exam at any approved Pearson VUE testing center. The closest locations to WVSOM include Charleston, WV, Roanoke, VA, and Lynchburg, VA. USMLE

USMLE

Where do I find more information about USMLE?: Information about USMLE is found on the USMLE FAQ page.

Do I have to take USMLE at WVSOM?: No. Taking the USMLE in addition to the COMLEX is a decision that should be made on an individual basis after extensive consultation with the ONB and Office of Graduate Medical Education.

COMSAE

What is a COMSAE?: A COMSAE is a Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Self-Assessment Examination that is available through the NBOME and functions as a practice exam for students prior to taking COMLEX.

Can I purchase a practice COMSAE?: Yes. Each year the NBOME provides one COMSAE which is purchasable by students, and which contains an answer key.

Can WVSOM purchase COMSAE exams?: Yes, there are COMSAEs only purchasable by schools, which are commonly used as qualifying exams to assist students in knowing when they are ready to take COMLEX.

Does WVSOM use a qualifying COMSAE for Level 1?: Yes. Each year the Office of National Boards will provide students with a qualifying COMSAE exam, and a target score needed to allow students to take their COMLEX exam. The exam is commonly given in the Spring.

What is the COMSAE qualifying score for Level 1 for the Class of 2026?: The qualifying score to sit for COMSAE is 425 for the Class of 2026.

COMAT

What is a COMAT?: A COMAT is a Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Achievement Test that is given to students during their third year of medical training.

How many COMATs do I take at WVSOM?: There are 8 COMATS given at WVSOM which include Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osteopathic Principles and Practice, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, and Surgery.

What is the passing score on a COMAT at WVSOM?: A passing score on a COMAT at WVSOM is 84

What is the average score on a COMAT?: The mean score on a COMAT is 100. Standard to percentile score conversion chart.

Accommodations

How do I apply for accommodation on COMLEX and/or USMLE?: Information on accommodation can be found on the respective NBOME and USMLE websites.

Does having accommodations at WVSOM guarantee that I will get them for COMLEX or USMLE?: No. That decision is made independent of previously granted accommodations.

View COMLEX Outcomes